1. What is B-BBEE and why is it important?
B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) is a government policy aimed at promoting economic transformation and increasing the participation of Black South Africans in the economy. A valid B-BBEE certificate enhances your ability to secure government tenders, contracts, and partnerships with large corporates.
2. What type of B-BBEE certificate do I need?
This depends on your business’s annual turnover and ownership structure:
- EME (Exempted Micro Enterprise): Turnover below R10 million
- QSE (Qualifying Small Enterprise): Turnover between R10 million and R50 million
- Generic (Large Enterprise): Turnover above R50 million
HIAC will guide you to the correct category and scorecard.
3. How long does the B-BBEE verification process take?
The process generally takes 5 to 10 working days from receipt of complete documentation. Timelines may vary depending on complexity and responsiveness.
4. What documents do I need for B-BBEE verification?
Common requirements include:
- Financial statements
- Company registration documents
- ID copies and share certificates
- Employment and payroll data
- Supplier and procurement records
- Training and skills development reports
We’ll provide you with a detailed checklist once engaged.
5. What happens if I don’t have all the required documents?
We offer pre-verification assessments to identify missing or incomplete documentation. Our team will assist you in preparing or sourcing the necessary information.
6. Is HIAC an accredited verification agency?
HIAC follows all legislative guidelines and works with SANAS-accredited verification professionals where required. For non-accredited services (e.g. affidavits, consulting), we maintain the highest ethical and professional standards.
7. Can HIAC help improve my B-BBEE level?
Yes. Through our advisory and consulting services, we help you identify shortfalls and develop a strategy to improve your score over time — including ownership structuring, skills development planning, and supplier alignment.
8. What is the cost of verification or consulting?
Fees depend on your business category (EME, QSE, Generic) and the scope of services required. We’ll provide a transparent quotation during your initial consultation.
9. How long is a B-BBEE certificate valid?
A B-BBEE certificate or affidavit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
10. Can HIAC assist with sector-specific scorecards?
Yes, we are experienced in verifying and consulting across all sectors, including Construction, ICT, Transport, Financial Services, and more